US ponders deeper Syrian involvement
The Pentagon has signaled willingness to increase airstrikes in Syria and also to place special forces personnel with rebel forces. This is driven in part by frustration over the slow pace of the ISIL war but also out of feeling need to respond to Russian actions there of recent weeks.
Saudi airstrike in Yemen hits hospital
Riyadh’s air campaign against the Houthis of northern Yemen has helped push the rebels out of South Yemen. However, it has caused human rights problems, not only with errant strikes such as this one but also with the humanitarian disaster caused by the absence of food transportation. North and South Yemen should go there separate ways and outside powers should work for that end.
Iran to be involved in Syria talks
The US and other parties have opposed Iran’s taking part in negotiations, but the US has relented. Iran is an important part of the Syrian issue and keeping it out was pointless and probably counterproductive. Iran is thought to support Assad himself rather than just his regime. The Russians are though to support the regime but not necessarily Assad himself. That could be a problem in the talks.
Climate change may make parts of Persian Gulf region uninhabitable
A recent study finds that by the year 2100 temperatures in parts of the Gulf may exceed what humans can take. This may trigger further emigration from the region. Skepticism should greet predictions of climate changes in the distant future. Past ones have not panned out and climate change figures are too ready to present shocking data.